Form for burial crypts



April z, 1968 Filed April l, 1965 H. L. GRAMMER FORM FOR BURIAL CRYPTS 2 Sheets-Sheet l Fig. 3

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Anomqys Apri 2, 1968 H. L.. GRAMMER 3,375,012

FORM FOR BURIAL GRYPTS Filed April l, 1965 2 SheStS-Sheet ,"3

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F/g 5 40 55 Ha/ L. Grammar 50 u c' n c' 54 INVENTOR. 50 44 42 46 u E. BY @aww/5@ United States Patent O 3,376,012 FORM FOR BURIAL CRYPTS Hal L. Grammar, 5045 N. 12th St., Suite 128, Phoenix, Ariz. 85014 Filed Apr. 1, 1965, Ser. No. 444,590 9 Claims. (Cl. 249-146) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A collapsible form including a pair of opposed side members, each having an inwardly directed top panel which is selectively engaged by an elongated central truss. The central truss includes a top member which is received between the top panels of the side members so as to maintain the side members in position. The truss is vertically collapsible so as to withdraw the member thereon from 'between the side member top panels and enable an inward falling of the side members so as to effectively collapse the form for removal from a formed enclosure.

The present invention relates to collapsible forms for the making of elongated hollow rectangular poured concrete units, and is more specifically concerned with the provision of a collapsible form for use in the construction of concrete crypts or burial vaults. j

Normally, in utilizing conventional forming apparatus, considerable diiculty is encountered in the construction of crypts. One major source `of this ditliculty is the necessity of removing the core form about which the concrete is poured. The removal of this form is normally accomplished by a man actually crawling therein, the opening being approximately twenty inches high, and physi-cally forcing the form` Work loose from the concrete and either pulling or kicking the form work outward of the poured crypt. The instant invention has been devised so as to avoid this diiculty, it being a primary object of t the instant invention to provide a form which can be both quickly and easily collapsed inwardly away from the poured wall so as to enable it to be easily withdrawn from the crypt without requiring the` p-hysical presence of anyone within the crypt itself.

Another significant object of the instant invention resides in the provision of a rectangular form consisting of a plurality of independent members bracingly retained in erected relationship with each other through a central selectively collapsible truss-like member, the collapsing of which can be easily achieved through one open end of the form.

In conjunction with the above object, it is also a significant object of the instant invention to provide a form which, upon a collapsing of the central supporting truss can be conveniently folded lin upon itself away from the poured walls so as to enable it to be withdrawn through one end of the formed crypt.

Also, it is a significant object of the instant invention to provide a crypt form which is of a relatively simple though highly novel construction capable or repeated re-use.

Likewise, it is a significant object of the instant invention that the form, although completely collapsible, includes in fact only two selectively foldable members.

In addition, it is an object of the instant invention to provide for a collapsing of the central main supporting truss through the disengagement of a single end of an elongated diagonal brace thereon with the collapsing of the central truss in turn disengaging a centrally located keying member engaged between and sustaining the opposed combination side and top members.

These together with other objects and advantages Patented Apr. 2, 1968 which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIGURE 1 is a front elevational view of a series of formed crypts with a plurality of the collapsible forms of the instant invention lbeing installed thereon in position for the forming of a superjacent additional row of crypts;

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken substantially on a plane passing along line 2-2 of FIG- URE 1;

FIGURE 3 is` a cross-sectional view taken substantially on a plane passing along line 3--3 in FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 4 is an exploded perspective view of the various form components;

FIGURE 5 is a side elevational View of the center truss in its erected position;

FIGURE 6 is a side elevational view of the central truss with the diagonal locking brace disengaged and in a partially collapsed position;

FIGURE 7 is a partial cross-sectional View through p the `upper portion of an assembled form with the center truss partially collapsed and the key withdrawn so as to allow an inward folding of the side members; and

yFIGURE 8 is a fragmentary plan view taken substantially at arrow 8 in FIGURE l.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings, the reference numeral 9 is used to generally designate the crypt form comprising the instant invention. This form 9 consists basically of opposed side members 10 and 12, a collapsible base or floor member 14, a collapsible center or central truss 16, and a top member 18. Each of these members are of a length slightly longer than the proposed length of the crypts to be formed therewith, and are particularly adapted for abutted bracing engagement with each other so as to define an elongated rectangular core labout which concrete is to be poured and formed in conjunction with adjacent forms or conventional surrounding form boards.

The side members 1()` and 12 of the form`9 are orientated in opposed relation to each other with each member including an elongated vertically orientated side forming panel 20 of a height generally corresponding to the over-all height of the form 9 land consequently the height of the interior of the crypt. In addition, each4 side member 10 and 12 includes a horizontal top panel 22 resting on and projecting inwardly from the upper edge of the side panel 20 a distance slightly less than the width of the form 9. A full length rectangular bracing beam 24 is provided along the interior corner formed by the panels 26 and 22 and rigidiiies the engagement therebetween. In addition, a plurality of longitudinally spaced vertical reinforcing ribs 26 are provided for stabilizing the side panels 20 to which they are secured. As will be best appreciated from FIGURES 3 and 7, the top panels 22, along the outer upper edges thereof, are 'beveled along the full length thereof as indicated by reference numeral 28 for` the lower faces thereof. The pivotal connection of the cross-braces 36 to the beams 32 and 34 is achieved through the nutted bolts 38 which can be adjusted so as to vary the clamped engagement between the crossbraces 36 and the beams 32 and 34 if desired.

The center truss or member 16 is formed of beam-like top and bottom chords 40 and 42 interconnectedA by a plurality of longitudinally spaced vertical braces 44 pivotally connected at their opposite ends to the top and bottom chords 40 and 42 by suitable means 50, generally nutted bolts. In addition, a diagonally extending rigid pivot brace 46 is also provided, this brace 46 being pivotally secured at its lower end to a centrally located point along the bottom chord 42 by a nutted bolt 48 with its upper end releasably secured adjacent one end of the top chord 40 by a nutted bolt 52. In this manner, it will be `appreciated that as long as the upper end of the diagonal brace 46 is bolted or otherwise fastened to the top chord 40, the lower end being retained in pivotal engagement with the lower chord 42, a collapsing of the truss 16 in the manner illustrated in FIGURE 6 is prevented. However, upon a release of the bolt 52, the diagonal bracing provided by `the brace 46 in no longer present, and the center truss 16 can be easily collapsed about the pivoting means 50 by an exertion of a longitudinal pull on the top chord 40, the specific -manner in which the collapsing is effected being readily apparent from FIGURE 6. While it will of course be appreciated that the lower securing bolt 48 can similarly be removed to allow for the collapsing of the center truss 16, the bolt 52, being located at one end of the truss 16, is clearly much more readily accessible in that no entry into the crypt is necessary, and further, being engaged with the top chord 40, enables the diagonal pivot brace 46 to be laid down parallel with the bottom chord 442 so as not to provide any resistance to the collapsing of the center rtruss 16.

The top member 18, preferably aiixed directly to the top edge of the top chord 40 of the center truss 16, although it can if desired be -an independent member, includes a longitudinally extending panel 54 centered on the top chord 40 and having a full length key or keying plank 56 projecting upwardly from the longitudinal center line thereof. This key 56 has the opposite longitudinal edges thereof beveled as at 58 so as to mate with the complementary beveled edges 30 of the top panels 22 of the side members 10 and 12.

In assembling `the form 9, the base member 14 is positioned horizontally, in its uncollapsed or rectangular position, upon a flat surface which may be, as illustrated in FIGURES l, 2 and 3, the top of a previously formed crypt 60 or row of crypts. Inasmuch as no collapsing pressure will `be applied to the base member 14 during the setting up of the form or the pouring of the concrete, no tightening of the Ibolts 38 beyond that necessary so as to provide only a slight frictional resistance to a collapsing of the base member 14 is necessary. However, if so desired, at least Ithe two bolts 38- adjacent one or both ends of the base member 14 can tbe tightened so as to lock this base member 14 in its rectangular uncollapsed shape, these end bolts 38 being easily accessible from the exterior of the form for a loosening thereof when it becomes necessary to withdraw the form 9.

Next, the lower longitudinal edges of the side members and 12 are positioned against the outer edges of the base member 14 with the top panels 22 directed inwardly toward each other. The central truss 16 is then erected centrally within the form 9 and the bolt 52 inserted. In this position, the key 56 tits between the spaced inner edges of the top plates 22 with the mating beveled edges 30 and 58 abutting each other and with the inner longitudinal portions of the panels 22 resting on and being supported by the top panel 54 engaged directly therebeneath. In order to complete the mold, additional forming or mold panels are positioned parallel to and outward of each of the side member panels 20. As will be appreciated from FIGURES l and 3, these additional forming panels can constitute the side member panels 20 of adjacent forms 9 when a series of crypts 60 are to be formed. The spacing between the adjacent forms 9 is provided by vertically extending end panels or columns 62 xed, in the illustrated embodiment, to the lower tier of crypts 60 and projecting vertically beyond the upper level of the form 9, the form 9, as will be appreciated from FIGURE 2, being of a length so as to project longitudinally beyond the end panels 62 at both ends thereof. As will be appreciated, these end forms or panels 62 not only brace the adjoining side members 10 and 12 but also act so as to provide a retaining member and forming panel for the concrete to be poured between the adjacent forms 9. Finally, a pair of elongatedV beam-like forming panels 64 are provided along and over the tops of the forms 9 adjacent the opposite ends thereof so as to act in the manner of form boards for the poured concrete to form the top of the poured crypts. These beams 64 as will be appreciated from FIGURE 8, are notched at each point of overlap with one of the vertical columns 62 which in turn is provided with a complementary notch therein so as to position the inner or forming face of the beam 64 coplanar with the forming face of the columns 62 and consequently coplanar with the subjacent previously formed crypts. Incidentally, it will of course be appreciated that the columns 62 are to be secured to the beam 64 by any suitable means, such as for example screws or bolts.

After the poured concrete has sufficiently set, the form 9 is removed. This is achieved by releasing one end of the pivot brace 46, preferably by removing the bolt 52, and collapsing the center truss 16, thereby withdrawing the key 56 so as to enable an inwardly folding of the upper portions of the side members 10 and 12, this being facilitated by both the beveled outer edge portions 28 and by the slightly exible nature thereof. Next, the base member 14 is collapsed by exerting a pull on one or the other of the side beams 32 or 34, selected ones of the bolts 38 being previously loosened as needed. Finally, all of the members are withdrawn through one end of the poured crypt for subsequent reuse as needed.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that a relatively simple though highly novel form has been defined, this form being both erected and dismantled with a minimum amount of labor and substantially entirely from one end thereof through merely the loosening of a few bolts and the exertion of a longitudinal pull on the members. In addition, the collapse or disassembly of the form is done in the manner that results in no physical damage to the form, thereby enabling its `subsequent re-use as needed.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to falling within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A collapsible form comprising a pair of elongated opposed side members, an elongated base member, an elongated central truss, and an elongated top member, said side members being positioned in laterally spaced relation to each other, each side member including a vertically orientated side panel, a horizontal top panel projecting laterally inward from the upper edge of each side panel toward the other side panel, the combined width of the top panels being less than the lateral distance between the side panels, said base member extending between and engaging the opposed side panels adjacent the lower edges thereof, said truss being located parallel to and centrally between said side panels, said truss including top and bottom chords, said bottom chord resting on the base member, means interconnecting said top and bottom chords for selectively orientating said top chord in a first position located immediately below the top panels and centrally therebetween, and a second position collapsed downwardly toward said bottom chord, said top member being positioned on said top chord and vertically movable in conjunction therewith, said top member including a projecting portion thereon engageable between and abutted against the inner edges of the top panels so as to prevent an inward movement thereof prior to a removal of the projecting portion.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein said top member ncludes a horizontal board-like member positioned below the projecting portion and engageable against the undersurfaces of the adjacent top panels so as to form a support therefor.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein the inner longitudinal edge of each top panel includes a beveled undercut, said projecting portion including mating bevels along the opposed edges thereof.

4. The device of claim 3 wherein said base member includes a pair of laterally spaced elongated beams, and a plurality of laterally extending rigid braces extending between said beams, each brace having the opposite ends thereof pivotally secured to the corresponding beams.

5. A form for burial crypts including side members, each comprising a side panel and a top panel projecting laterally from the upper edge of the side panel, said side members being orientated with the top panels projecting inwardly toward each other, the inner edge of each top panel being beveled along the length thereof, a center truss disposed between and parallel to said side members, said truss comprising a top chord, a bottom chord, a plurality of vertical braces pivotally connected to said top and bottom chords, and a diagonal pivot brace releasably connected to one of said chords and pivotally connected to the other of said chords, said pivot brace rigidly securing said top and bottom chords in a spaced apart relationship and retaining said chords against pivotal movement about the pivotal connections of said vertical braces, said center truss being collapsible upon releasing said pivot brace from its connection to one of said chords, and a top member positioned on said center truss, said top member comprising a plank positioned beneath and supporting said top panels, and a key secured along the upper surface of said plank and positioned between the beveled inner edges of the top panels,

said key having beveled edges mating with and engaged against the beveled edges of said top panels.

6. The device of claim 2 wherein the outer longitudinal edge of each top panel is downwardly and outwardly beveled along the full length thereof for facilitating an inward folding of the opposed side members.

7. The device of claim 5 including an elongated base member positioned longitudinally beneath said bottom chord and having the opposed longitudinal edges thereof engaged against the opposed inner faces of the side member side panels adjacent the lower edges thereof.

8. A collapsible form comprising a pair of elongated opposed side members, an elongated central truss, and an elongated top member, said side members being positioned in laterally spaced relation to each other, each side member including a vertically orientated side panel, a horizontal top panel projecting laterally inward from the upper edge of each side panel toward the other side panel, the combined width of the top panels being less than the lateral distance between the side panels, said truss being located parallel to and centrally between said side panels, said truss including top and bottom chords, means interconnecting said top and bottom chords for selectively orientating said top chord in a rst position located immediately below the top panels and centrally therebetween, and a second position collapsed downward away from the top panels, said top member being positioned on said top chord and vertically movable in conjunction therewith, said top member including a projecting portion thereon engageable between and abutted against the inner edges of the top panels so as to prevent an inward movement thereof prior to a removal of the projecting portion.

9. The device of claim 8 wherein said top member includes a horizontal board-like member positioned below the projecting portion and engageable against the undersurface of the adjacent top panels so as to form a support therefor.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,016,284 2/1912 Meek et al. 249-152 X 1,096,047 5/1914 Miller 249-184 X 1,254,919 1/1918 Marqua et al. 249-185 3,167,839 2/1965 Gause 249-185 I. SPENCER OVERHOLSER, Primary Examiner. 

